Gunsmoke – Ugly. 571215

In the Long Branch, Chester complains about the way his new boots make his feet feel, but all conversation with Kitty and Sam stops. A man enters with a face that could stop a clock. Or at least all the typical noise of the dayly routine. Kitty is usually a compassionate type, but even she is feeling uneasy. Townsfolk are suddenly ready to run the ugly man out of Dodge like a wild animal.

Learning that Bruno has gone to Doc, Matt checks up on the story. The 26 year old had a run in with a stampeding buffalo herd about 10 years back, and is planning on running a near by homestead. By himself, of course. His dog and horse won’t care what he looks like.

Weeks go by, and Matt talks to Kitty about some of the wild stories going around Dodge about Bruno. Should he go out to his homestead to check on the outcast? Paranoia turns the townfolk into a bigotted mob. Every unexplained incident or injury is laid at the feet of the outcast
Bruno, just because of his appearance.
Doc and Matt uncover how lies and gossip develops and spreads. Bruno actually saved a life, but lies twist the truth to make him out to be a monster. Can Matt get the town to believe the truth before mob justice over runs Bruno’s little shack? Bruno has been depressed over his solitary existence, and is glad to have a friend. Maybe he’ll have more friendly callers in the future.